10BBY

Jyn hit the ground hard as her opponent tripped her with his staff. She winced in pain but refused to show weakness. On the sideline, Kenna clapped Jyn on.

"Come on!"

Jyn got up, staring down her opponent. He was thirteen years old, only two years Jyn's senior. He was already a good head taller than her and his steady gaze was a force to be reckoned with. Jyn positioned herself ready for the offensive. In the distance, Saw Gerrera was watching from the shadows, not wanting Jyn to see him just yet. Her opponent moved first, swiftly swinging his staff over his head to strike down on Jyn. She lifted her staff in both hands to block the attack above her. Wood coming together created a loud crack. Jyn pushed his staff to the side and kicked him in the stomach. He regained his stance, fuming.

"Cheater!" he shouted.

Jyn smirked. "Sore loser!"

He growled, allowing his anger to get the best of him. He lunged at Jyn, causing her to step back to avoid being hit. She blocked his attack once, twice and three times as he kept backing her up. Jyn hit the wall letting out a huff of air as her opponent locked their staff's together. Holding tightly, Jyn stomped on his foot and kicked his shin hard, pushing them forward until they fell, Jyn on top of him.

"Get off me!" he shouted, rolling them over. "You're a cheater! A cheater!"

"Hey!" Kenna yelled, running over to them to join the fray.

"That's enough!" Saw's loud voice boomed throughout the room. The three children froze, staring at their leader.

"All of you stand up!" Saw continued. "I will not have such behaviour in my cadre!"

Jyn glared at her opponent who stood sulking. Kenna looked ready to argue.

Saw gestured for the boy to step forward. "She was not a cheater for choosing to carry on with the fight using any means at her disposal. If you must call her names, call her a survivalist! We all must be such people if we are to fight against an enemy who isn't afraid to deceive! Meet them at their own level; strike them where it hurts the most."

The boy lowered his head as Saw gestured for Jyn to step forward. "We hit the enemy to make a statement and we cannot accomplish such tasks if we lose our heads! Keep control of your anger; do not let it get the better of you."

They both nodded. Saw allowed his features to soften. "Given time you will get better. Keep training and learn to respect each other." He gestured to the window. "Out there you will need each other and petty quarrels and name calling is a dishonour to everyone who has given their lives for the cause! Learn from each other."

"Yes, Saw," Jyn replied meekly. "I'm sorry."

"Me too," the boy added. "I just wanted to play fair."

Saw sadly smiled. "Life is not fair and your training is not a time to play. Learn to expect the unexpected and you will persevere."

...

0ABY: Commenor

Cassian had not seen Jyn leave that evening to complete her part of the mission. He admitted to himself it was a grudge not worth holding and he wondered why he was even acting this way to begin with. Saw Gerrera was never one to act subtlety, so how could he so openly accept that a girl who was raised by the man could be subtle. He had every reason to be concerned. Growling in frustration at the way Jyn's presence caused everything in his mind to flip upside down, he proceeded for a back alleyway where Tonc had signalled for him to meet.

Arriving at the alley, Tonc and Sefla were both leaning on the walls opposite each other with their heads down. Cassian approached, spreading his hands before him in a silent gesture to ask what was going on.

Sefla was the first to acknowledge the major and sighed. "We messed up."

"What happened?" Cassian asked. He should have known this would happen. Everyone who was part of Rogue One, except for himself, had no experience in covert, intelligence missions.

"We ended up in a sports bar and joined some harmless gambling," Sefla began. "We were doing as you asked, keeping our questions simple and vague, but there was this one man sitting alone who must have overheard us."

"He came over to our table and said as much," Tonc added sullenly.

"Right," Sefla said, huffing. "He began telling us he knew about what had happened."

"That seems too good to be true," Cassian remarked, leaning against the wall with his hand. "What happened next?"

"He told us the town got sick and the empire moved in to quarantine the area," Sefla replied. "The people were taken away and never seen again."

"Did he say how he knew all this?" Cassian asked.

"Yeah," Tonc said. "He said he was part of Arhul Nemo's gang."

Cassian frowned. "What's his name?"

Both hesitated. "Leo Veila," Sefla replied. "He asked us when Arhul Nemo was going to act, and we told him we weren't exactly sure so he left the bar and said 'see you soon'."

"When he said that it didn't sound... good," Tonc added. "So I radioed Bodhi and asked him to do a check on him. That's when he learned he is a known imperial agent."

A thousand questions and retorts flowed through Cassian's mind. This was not happening. He felt anger bubbling up and he tried to calm himself by saying this was not their fault. Intelligence was not something they had been trained in.

Cassian steadied himself with a deep breath. "We need to find Jyn."

"Where is she?" Sefla asked, masked with concern.

"To go meet with the imperial scientist behind all this." Cassian ran his fingers through his hair. "Go meet up with Rostok and Basteren and wait for me there."

"What about Jyn?" Sefla called out as the major hurried off.

"I'll handle it."

...

Jyn gasped as she regained consciousness. Her right arm ached which reminded her that everything hadn't been a dream. Groaning, she sat up to find she had been moved somewhere unknown. The room was dull grey with a single light shining down from the ceiling. The bed she was on was medical issue and one side of the room was a complete window into another room. She was still wearing the same outfit except her boots had been removed; her feet felt cold. Jyn examined her arm to notice a small red bump forming where the needle had entered her vein at her elbow.

"Good, you're awake," a voice came from the other side of the window.

Kavis was standing there in his scientist uniform, a datapad in his hand.

Jyn felt her temper rising as she got up and strode over to the window. She slammed her fists onto it. "What did you do?"

Kavis kept his cool demeanour. "I am merely using you to get Dr. Gadreel to cooperate."

"I don't even know who that is?" Jyn shouted.

"She worked for me a while ago but developed a conscience. She asked for asylum within the alliance and hid herself from me. When she left, she took with her all the information concerning a cure for our delightful bioweapon. I need that cure!"

Realisation fully hit Jyn and she let her hands slip down the window. "You gave it to me?" Her voice was soft, almost sad.

Kavis managed a pitiful look. "I am terribly sorry about that, but if it makes you feel any better, I would have given it to whoever Arhul Nemo sent my way."

"I feel fine."

"That will change," Kavis confirmed.

Jyn clenched her jaw, wishing there was no window between them. "At least tell me what you gave me!"

"I mutated a microorganism into a deadly infection that attacks the respiratory system," Kavis answered. "It takes residence in your lungs, slowly taking over until you experience severe hypoxemic failure. But before we get to that, you will come down with bronchiectasis – ah, which is when your airway becomes thickened by mucus making it the perfect breeding ground for the microorganisms. You'll know when that has started when you start coughing." Kavis paused; taking in Jyn's deflated features upon hearing what he had done. "You had best hope the alliance cooperates, or you will be in for a slow, painful death."

"Do they even know I'm here?"

"Oh, yes," Kavis replied. "We were being followed on our way back to my apartment last night. No doubt someone was making sure you were safe. I sent one of my agents to go meet with him."

Cassian. Jyn knew it had to be Cassian who was following them. He must have hid himself well, for she had kept a constant vigil for him. Becoming fully aware of every inch of her body and how it felt, Jyn tried not to think too much about her lungs as she inhaled deeply. "How long do I have?"

"Average death took place within weeks," Kavis replied looking at his datapad. "While you may not believe me, I do have your best interest at heart. For you see, if the alliance does their part, then I guarantee you will be given the cure to make sure it works."

"What happened to the others?" Jyn asked, thinking of the infected city. "Why did you do all this?"

"The Emperor asked for a bioweapon to infect worlds sympathetic to the alliance," Kavis simply stated. "He wanted a weapon that could be passed off as a natural occurrence – a natural outbreak."

"You'll never get away with this," Jyn growled. "I will make sure of that."

"Very dramatic, young lady," Kavis laughed. "Rest up, for you were infected eight hours ago and if I am correct, you will start experiencing your first symptoms within the next four hours."

After Jyn was left alone she turned around and slid down the window, hugging her knees. Was it too much to ask that he was simply bluffing? She felt fine, if not a little dizzy from the drug. She focused on her breathing, even going so far as to place her palm on her chest to see if anything felt or sounded different. The idea of something living inside her working its way into her lungs terrified her. She couldn't fight this the conventional way she had been taught. Sticks, batons, knives and guns couldn't save her now.

...

Eight Hours Earlier

Cassian tried his utmost hardest not to sprint in order to get to Jyn. He had convinced himself that she was walking right into a trap; he also knew by now he was too late to stop her from entering the 'The Sundown'. The twenty minute ride on the express train had left him fidgeting, unable to stay seated. Once he got to Jyn he would need a reason to get her away from Kavis. His plan was to use his alias as Jyn's boss to take over and get Jyn safely out of the way. He knew she would be furious at him; if the situations were reversed he would be furious too. However, Jyn's safety was more important to him than this assignment. Cassian couldn't begin to imagine what Draven would think if he knew this was how one of his top intelligence agents thought. Was it possible Jyn had compromised him?

Finally making it to the street, Cassian's stride reminded him of his time on the Ring of Kafrene when he was late meeting with Tivik. He hoped, no prayed, that the ending would not end in a death. Cassian was walking down the street when he noticed Jyn on the other side walking in the opposite direction. She was alone and... different. He stopped dead in his tracks to take her in. He hadn't seen her change into her evening outfit and was surprised how feminine she looked; in his eyes she looked stunning. The dress showed her figure and her expression was relaxed, almost peaceful. She was taking in the restaurants she walked past, oblivious to her surroundings. Cassian visibly relaxed to see her unharmed and alone. She obviously had left the bar early and Cassian wondered what the reasoning had been. Perhaps Kavis hadn't shown up? He needed to get her off the street just in case and he soon noticed she appeared to be looking for somewhere to eat. Deciding to offer to buy her dinner in an attempt to apologise for his earlier behaviour, and to get her somewhere safe, Cassian went to cross the street. Jyn was walking ahead as he made it over and was about to hurry up to her when a tall man slid his arm around Jyn's waist. Cassian felt his heart skip a beat at the other's man gesture. From behind, Cassian couldn't tell who it was, but when the man gave a quick glance behind, Cassian knew it was Kavis.

So the assignment wasn't over after all, Cassian thought. He kept his distance, careful not to be noticed. Jyn had appeared startled at Kavis' presence, making Cassian wonder what the man was up to. He followed them to an apartment block and crossed the street to stay in the shadows as they entered the building, bypassing a security guard. Cassian grimaced at the added security, knowing it would be hard to get past. He glanced up to see the apartment building rose high into the sky; too many rooms for Cassian to check and with no way in. Whatever the reason for Kavis taking Jyn back to his apartment, Cassian didn't want to think about. The idea alone of another man being in the privacy of his home with Jyn filled Cassian with an emotion he was unfamiliar with. He stayed in the shadows trying to comprehend his thoughts, wondering how one person could corrupt another so easily and, as it seemed, unintentionally. Whatever Jyn was doing to him, she was oblivious.

Cassian stayed across the street for three hours before he started to worry – well even more worry. The longer Jyn stayed in there, the less Cassian thought rationally. He had come up with multiple ideas to get past the security guard, but the whole point was useless as he had no idea what room Jyn went up to. He wondered if Jyn would protest to wearing a tracking device in later assignments.

A large truck came down the street and parked in front of the apartment. Cassian noticed the symbol to be the same one used by the imperial research facility. He stepped further back into the shadows as four stormtroopers got out with a medical stretcher and passed the security guard without a word. Cassian knew that whatever this was, it had to do with Jyn. Moments later they returned with an unconscious Jyn on the stretcher with Kavis close behind. Cassian had become so fixated on the scene he didn't notice someone approach him until the sound of a blaster being set to fire.

"Put your weapon on the ground now," the man growled.

Cassian's jaw tensed as he complied, un-holstering his blaster and placing it gently on the ground. He finally turned to the stranger.

"I'm agent Veila," he said.

Cassian took him in; he was taller than Cassian with a sharp, shaved face and dark features. His outfit was clean and smooth. An imperial agent.

"I know who you are," Cassian replied bitterly.

"Yet I can't say the same about you," Veila replied. "Met some of your fellow rebel scum earlier. Such talkers."

The truck leaving caused Cassian to snap back to Jyn. She was leaving, alone and in the hands of the empire. Veila aimed his blaster at Cassian's head.

"Now if you do as I say you may get the chance to save her," Veila snarled.

Cassian's whole body as starting to shake with fury. "What do you want?"

"Your cooperation," Veila replied. The imperial agent pulled out a holochip and communication card from his breast pocket. "Follow these instructions and use that communicator to get in touch with me when you're ready to make your move."

As simple as that, Veila retreated back down the street, not allowing Cassian to leave his sight until he turned the corner. Cassian reached down for his blaster and made for Arhul Nemo's base as quickly as possible.

...

Cassian wanted to hit Arhul Nemo for his insistence on sending Jyn out alone. The lieutenant was pacing the room while the major set up the holoprojector.

"Jyn will be fine," Arhul murmured mostly for his own benefit.

Cassian refused to look at the man. The holoprojector came to life with the life-size image of Kavis. Seeing the man again after the way he so causally touched Jyn had Cassian's chest tighten.

"I'll make this simple," Kavis began. "Two years ago I worked with a doctor by the name of Amara Gadreel. I promised her that our work would benefit the empire and she complied without hesitation. Her research on gene mutation and microbiology excelled anyone else in the field. With her help I perfected a bioweapon. Then came the day she decided not to work for me and left with all her research.

I need that research and her cooperation in order to synthesise a cure and from that, create a vaccine to administer to those who the empire does not wish to be infected. I have recorded this message in great detail for the sole benefit for Dr. Gadreel. I want her to see this message and the repercussions of her actions. By the time this message has fallen into the hands of rebels, I have already taken one of their own as leverage. Whoever I have ended up taking has already been infected by the time this message has been viewed.

Dr. Gadreel, I sincerely hope your conscience remains. If not, then this rebel will die, and so will a great deal of other rebels unless you hand yourself over to me. In return for your compliance, you may administer your cure to this infected rebel as a reward and as a way to show you I'm not as heartless as you once accused me of. This rebel's life is in your hands. Please do with it as your conscience sees fit."

The holoprojector turned off and the room became eerily silent. Cassian stared blankly where the image of Kavis had been. He had infected Jyn! He must have taken her back to his facility to monitor her, Cassian thought. He had to find her, to be with her.

"Major Andor," Arhul said.

Cassian's eyes snapped to the older man. "You! This is your fault!"

Arhul's eyes blazed. "I had no hand in this! Had I known this man's intentions I would never have sent Jyn or anyone else to meet him!"

"He has infected her with something we know nothing about!" Cassian stormed over to Arhul, using all his mental restraint to prevent him from striking the man.

Arhul hesitated. "He said he would cure her if this Dr. Gadreel cooperated."

Cassian had raked his memory of any mention of her in previous intelligence but came up empty. "I don't know where she is."

"Neither do I, but High Command might."

Cassian narrowed his eyes. "I'm not leaving this planet without Jyn."

Arhul stepped closer. "You will leave this kriffin planet if you want to save her!"

Cassian clenched and unclenched his fist. Arhul was right and that made him hate the man more. "High Command is currently stationed on Thila Base."

"Then I suggest you make haste."

...

When Jyn coughed for the first time, Kavis was in the room with her going over her vitals. She was cold; the bed had no sheeting or blankets and not even a pillow - just an empty medical bed.

"You'll be please to know that we have heard back from your people," Kavis mentioned. "They are doing exactly what I want of them."

Jyn inhaled when Kavis told her too and felt her chest rattle. "They're bringing that doctor?"

"They haven't gone that far," Kavis replied, "but they have agreed to go get her."

"Cassian," she whispered to herself.

"Is that his name?" Jyn only looked at him. "He didn't say his name over the communicator." When Jyn smiled faintly, Kavis hummed. "I take it he was the one who followed us."

"Yes."

"To be honest, I was surprised by his quick response and open cooperation." Kavis paused to watch her closely. "Perhaps he has a soft spot for you."

Jyn glared. "We've been through a lot together."

"That doesn't mean he wouldn't leave you behind."

"You don't know him."

"No I don't, nor do I want to. So long as he gets the job done I'll be satisfied."

Jyn glanced at the exit which had been left open. A stormtrooper was stationed outside, rifle at his chest. She could take him down without doubt, procure his rifle and get the hell out of the facility. Finding Arhul Nemo again would be easy enough for her, and then perhaps this doctor Kavis desperately wanted could give the cure to her alone.

"It's progressing well," Kavis stated. "The infection."

Jyn swung a punch to his cheek, causing him to fall, clutching his face. She jumped off the bed and the trooper came in with his rifle aimed. Jyn ducked, kicking his footing so he tripped and rammed him into the wall with as much of her strength that remained. She wrestled the rifle out of the trooper's hands and shot him twice. She swung around to notice Kavis had pulled his own blaster out; Jyn pulled the trigger, shooting the man who had infected her in the chest. She bolted out the door, shooting another trooper that came round the corner. Her chest felt tight as she ran and had to stop to cough multiple times. She kept going, determined to get out of this place. Alarms began to sound as she stepped into a storage room to hide as four troopers hurried past. Her feet were still bare and the dress made it hard for her to run at a decent pace. The storage door opened to reveal an imperial scientist Jyn had never seen before. He went to shout out but Jyn shot him down. She stepped over his body and continued on as covertly as possible.

Jyn soon learned the facility was remarkably small; no doubt a hastily attempt to set up again after Arhul Nemo blew their original facility to dust. The back of Jyn's mind told her she should have stayed put and waited for Cassian to come for her. But this wasn't the time to stay with an imperial scientist who had drugged and infected her as leverage; he couldn't be trusted no matter how sympathetic he tried to appear. Jyn reloaded the rifle; she was more than capable of rescuing herself.

Jyn shot two more troopers that crossed paths with her before coming to the security station. She shot the locked panel to open the door and ducked as a security officer shot at her; she retaliated by shooting him. In the mood to burn down the entire facility, Jyn scanned the security screens to find the exit. Two corridors away and a security check to get out. She scanned the screen showing the mess hall and noticed most of the remaining scientists had taken refuge there. Growling, Jyn leaned down and ripped the guard's security card off his chest. Before leaving the room, Jyn grabbed the guard's pistol and shot at the security screens.

She only made it down one corridor before she came face to face with a tall, shaven man. He grabbed Jyn by the collar and slammed her into the wall.

"Rebel scum," he growled, grabbing hold of Jyn's wrist and twisting until she dropped the rifle. "You're not going anywhere."

Jyn cried out as she pushed face to the side with her free hand and kneed him in the groin. He doubled back, letting go of her momentarily. Jyn made to run but he grabbed hold of her dress, pulling her back to him. She fell to her knees, turning over to kick him in the face. It was hard as she was bare foot, but the adrenaline had kicked in and pain was only an illusion. Blood was trickling out of his nose as he took hold off Jyn's knee, sliding her closer to him. He retrieved the handcuffs off his belt and tried to restrain Jyn as she struggled. Jyn pushed her palm on what she believed was his broken nose to get out from under him. In the struggle, Jyn caught glimpse of the hilt of a dagger in his boot. She manoeuvred, using all her strength to reach down and grab it. She grabbed hold of his waist, positioned her head under his chest and pushed him onto his back using what remained of her adrenaline. Jyn grabbed his dagger from his boot and aimed for his chest.

Both opponents stilled when they came to realise what she had done. Truth be told, Jyn had never stabbed someone in this manner before. It was such a ferocious gesture and Jyn creased her brow as she observed her work. He coughed up blood as Jyn stood on shaky legs. She faltered as she reached for the rifle, not entirely sure how to feel. The alarms that kept ringing brought Jyn back to reality. She was so close to freedom. Not looking back, Jyn raced down the last corridor, took down the last two troopers that stood in her way and swiped her way out to freedom.